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Cuts to C’wealth PS jobs a breach of trust

to cut 56 federal public sector jobs in Hobart is a breach of trust to workers who were told that their jobs were safe, says their union.

The Department of Human Services is planning to cut 56 jobs in its IT department in the state.

This comes after Tony Abbott saying he’d protect public sector jobs in Tasmania in the lead-up to the general election.

CPSU Deputy National President Lisa Newman said staff viewed this as a breach of trust and wanted the government to step in or fix the situation.

“Or perhaps the Prime Minister can explain to the 56 families who now face a bleak Christmas how this is going to help Tasmania,” Ms Newman said.

CPSU Tasmanian Regional Secretary Paul Blake said that the proposal was sprung upon staff and without any consultation with unions.

“These are highly sought after jobs in a state that has the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Cuts like these are going to hit Tasmania particularly hard. On top of this further cuts are expected with the Commission of Audit which now has carriage over public sector staffing levels. Tasmania has every right to feel very insecure about this Government’s commitment to it.”

The union has written to Minister for Human Services Marise Payne and Minister for Employment and the Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Public Service Eric Abetz – a Tasmanian senator – asking them to overturn the decision.